Winner SURF Research Support Champion Awards 2024: Ron Scholten
Ron Scholten is Research Data Manager at Utrecht University. He is also pivotal in the YOUth project, a multi-year project collecting sensitive data on young children across teams. He wins the SURF Research Support Champion Awards 2024 for his work on the YOUth project and the development of Yoda.
Research Support Champion Awards ceremony on 30 May 2024
On 30 May, Ron Scholten was presented with the Research Support Champion Award 2024. Watch this festive moment below. Below the video, read more about Ron and why he won the award.
Ron Scholten: Research Support Champion 2024
Privacy and security YOUth project
The YOUth project collects sensitive data from young children over several years. Ron is responsible for the proper storage, validation and issuance of this data to approved parties. He uses his extensive expertise for this project in the areas of privacy, security, and research data management and works together with various colleagues from different functions and departments. He is a true team player.
Secure storage of data
With the start of a study, thousands of files need to be validated before they are securely placed in the Research Data Management (RDM) Yoda system. Ron immerses himself in various new databases and systems and ensures that the files are validated and securely stored within a few months. Thanks to his dedication, the files are validated and securely stored within a few months. This is a top achievement.
Growth of Yoda
Thanks to his dedication and expertise, publishing highly sensitive FAIR data has been a success. His work within the YOUth project transformed Yoda into an essential RDM system, now hosted by SURF for multiple universities. Moreover, he developed a data request module within Yoda, allowing future research to easily request, evaluate and share sensitive data. His contribution and commitment have been invaluable in growing Yoda, developing knowledge about sensitive data and promoting FAIR data principles.
What does the jury say about Ron?
Ron is pivotal in the YOUth project, where he ensures the storage, validation and careful provision of sensitive data on young children.
He has expertise in privacy, security and Research Data Management (RDM) and plays a crucial role in bringing people together from different functions and departments.
Ron has championed the correct application of GDPR guidelines and has had a major impact on the RDM system Yoda, with national influence and stakeholder interest.